FOOD LAWS - MALAYSIA

FOOD LAWS IN MALAYSIA - The Food Act 1983 and the Food Regulations 1985 of Malaysia govern the various aspects of food safety and quality control including food standards, food hygiene, food import and export, food advertisement and accreditation of laboratories. The enforcement of Food Act 1983 and the Food Regulations 1985 is targeted towards reducing food‐born hazard and ensuring that food is safe for human consumption. The Food Safety and Quality Division (FSQD) of the Ministry of Health (MOH) is charged with the implementation and enforcement of the law. FSQD implements an active food safety program which includes routine compliance, sampling, food premises inspection, food import control activity and licensing of specified food substances required under Food Act 1983 and its Food Regulation 1985. It also conducts a food monitoring activity on specific food contaminants and additives. As a preventive approach, the FSQD have been implementing food handlers training program, vetting of food labels, giving advice to the industry and consumers, and food safety certification scheme such Health Certificate, HACCP certification and Free Sale Certificate. Food Safety Standards In Major Export Markets: A Readymade Guide For Agro Exporters Page 6 Specific compositional and labeling requirements were developed for particular food products. The use of health claims on labels is very restrictive. The content requirements are not restrictive for Indian products, but receiving approval for new food additives, especially those not currently recognized by Codex Alimentarius can be onerous. Since more than half of the Malaysian population is Muslim, labeling requirements for products containing pork and alcohol are very strict. Attention should be given to adhering to Malaysian labeling requirements to avoid any problems at the port of entry or on the retail level.

OTHER REGULATIONS REQUIREMENTS

All food consignments are subject to random checking and sampling at 28 entry points all over the country to ensure food items imported into the country are safe and comply with the prescribed standards and regulations. Foods will be destroyed if they are found unfit for human consumption. Consignment of meat and meat products, milk and milk products, pork and pork products imported into Malaysia are subject to veterinary inspection by the authorized officer(s) of the Dept. of Veterinary Services (DVS) at the point of entry on arrival in Malaysia. Random samples will then be collected for laboratory testing and DVS has the right to reject, destroy, or further detain any consignment when deemed required. Health and medicinal food products need to be registered. Meat and milk and their related products require an import license. Product registration and application for import licenses are done through Malaysian registered companies. Fees are imposed for import licenses. Each of the paragraphs below has listed specific requirements for the product group that would be useful for Indian exporters.

ThankYou.

By,

M Anem,

Senior Agronomist,

Bandar Baru UDA,

Johor Bahru,

Johor, Malaysia.

(3 Muharram 140H)